Means of Grace

The ordinary means of grace are the Word (preached primarily, but also read) and the sacraments (baptism and the Lord's Supper). They become effectual means of grace to those joined to Christ by the working of the Holy Spirit (WLC , Q. 161). The means of grace are, in effect, the delivery systems God has instituted to gather up his elect by bringing grace – that is, redemptive blessings, illumination, spiritual power, spiritual change & spiritual fortitude – to needy souls on the earth. Grace comes from our Father, purchased by the Son, through the Spirit who makes them effectual ordinarily in conjunction with the ordinary means (i.e., the Word of God, prayer, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper).

"The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation." —The Westminster Shorter Catechism